The plaintiff’s petition or complaint is the document filed with the court and delivered to the defendant (served) that initiates a lawsuit and puts the defendant on notice of the plaintiff’s claims against the defendant and the relief the plaintiff is asking the court to award (usually money or injunctive relief).
In North Carolina, the plaintiff's petition or complaint is the initial legal document filed with a court to start a civil lawsuit. This document outlines the plaintiff's allegations and the legal basis for the claim against the defendant, as well as the specific relief or damages the plaintiff is seeking. Once the complaint is filed, it must be properly served on the defendant, which provides official notice of the lawsuit and the claims contained within. Service of process must be carried out in accordance with North Carolina Rules of Civil Procedure, which may include personal delivery, service by registered or certified mail, or other methods permitted by law. The defendant is then required to respond to the complaint within a specified time frame, typically 30 days, by filing an answer or other responsive pleading with the court. Failure to respond can result in a default judgment against the defendant.